APC Inaugurates Masari-Led 2026 Convention Committee, Dismisses Opposition Coalition Threat

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has inaugurated the 2026 National Convention Central Coordination Committee, chaired by former Katsina State Governor Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari.During the inauguration ceremony, APC National Chairman Prof Nentawe Yilwatda dismissed opposition claims about controlling Abuja, citing the party's recent electoral victories in Kano, Rivers, and the Federal Capital Territory. He stated that these wins had "shut down all the noise from the opposition that Abuja belongs to them.""We demonstrated that there is no presence of the so-called coalition in all the states that the elections were conducted," Yilwatda declared.The National Chairman described the upcoming convention as more than a mere gathering, calling it "an affirmation of democratic values, celebration of internal democracy and a demonstration to Nigerians that APC remains the most organised, forward looking and the most viable political party anybody will stand election in Nigeria."Yilwatda charged the committee to deliver a convention that would be transparent, inclusive, and credible—befitting of a ruling party of great stature. He urged members to rise above partisan interests and personal sentiments, assuring them of full support from the National Working Committee."You shall have the resources, cooperation and goodwill required to deliver on this mandate," he pledged. "Let history remember you today."In his response, Committee Chairman Masari accepted the responsibility with what he described as civility, great sense of duty, and commitment to the party's ideals. He thanked the APC leadership and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence reposed in the committee.Masari, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, described the assignment as a greater responsibility to ensure that party processes reflect orderliness, inclusiveness, transparency, and respect for internal democracy."Our objectives will be to conduct a civil and free convention that will strengthen and unify our party," Masari stated. "We shall work closely with the National Working Committee and all relevant organs of the party."The committee's membership includes prominent party figures: former Senate President Senator Anyim Pius Anyim serves as Vice Chairman I, while Chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is Vice Chairman II.Chairman of the Progressive Governors' Forum and Imo State Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma will serve as Treasurer, with Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni appointed as Secretary.The committee is tasked with coordinating all activities leading to the peaceful and successful conduct of the APC's 2026 National Convention, an event that will shape the party's leadership structure ahead of future electoral contests.